Water Colour Paints Cleared For Sale

Water Colour Paints Cleared For Sale

Water colour paints recalled from the New Zealand market last month, have now been cleared for sale.

Tests conducted for the Ministry of Health on three batches of the water colour paints produced by Australian manufacturer, Educational Colours Pty Ltd, have shown these paints do comply with the New Zealand Toxic Substances Regulations 1983.

Initial tests undertaken by the manufacturer suggested three colours, Aquacryl Warm Red, Aquacryl Light Green, and Liquitemp Brilliant Red appeared to contain higher levels of barium - a heavy metal. As a result, the product was recalled.

However further tests by the Ministry have shown that the discrepancy was due to different techniques for analysis. Although the Ministry is confident that the three batches tested comply, officials are working with the manufacturers to determine if all other batches of these colours are also within the legal limits.

Physical Environment Team Leader, Sally Gilbert said the Australian laboratory reported on the results obtain from dry powder paint, while the New Zealand results were based on the paint in the liquid and semi-liquid form in which it is sold to the public.

"We congratulate the Australian company, its importers and distributors for acting responsibly in advising the Ministry and recalling the product."

"Based on the information we had available at the time, the Ministry supported the recall, and immediately initiated its own tests to check whether the products complied."

"All parties acted in good faith to protect public health and we are now confident, that the tested product complies with the regulations and can be released again for sale."

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For further information contact; Selina Gentry, Media Advisor, 04 496 2483 or 025 277 5411 Internet Address; http://www.moh.govt.nz/media.html

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